The Next Big Earthquake "Can Happen Within Our Generation" - PHIVOLCS

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recently released the Valley Fault System Atlas, a collection of detailed large-scale maps that point to the areas along the West and East Valley Fault System, a 100-kilometer-long active fault located in the Greater Manila Area, to serve as a warning. According to them, it’s been 300 years since the last West Valley Fault earthquake, and, judging from the pattern, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake is bound to happen soon. Is your family prepared?

"The Valley Fault System Atlas was conceptualized as a handy reference for everyone to serve as a guide in making sure that areas traversed by active faults are avoided as sites of houses and structures and considered in various mitigation and response actions to enhance the safety and resilience of communities to strong earthquake events,” said PHIVOLCS director Dr. Renato Solidum, Jr.

In the event of a magnitude 7.2 earthquake, PHIVOLCS estimates that as many as 37,000 people in Metro Manila and Rizal will perish. That’s more than the official death toll in these areas from supertyphoon Yolanda.

The Atlas will play a critical role in earthquake-preparedness, said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Executive Director Undersecretary Alexander Palma. “A disaster can only be a disaster if we are not prepared for it,” he added.

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

Earthquake preparedness is essential in every home, especially for families with small children. In an interview by smartparenting.com.ph last year with architect Kaydee Marie O. Velasco, U.A.P, C.B.P., who specializes in master planning, architecture, and sustainable practices, she said the first thing you should check when buying a home or moving into one is how close you are to a fault line.

“Avoid areas where fault lines are located, since this is where most of the damage will be inflicted during an earthquake. If it’s unavoidable ─ due to old family properties, for example ─ you should build at least 25 meters away from a fault line, even if 10 meters is the allowed buildable ground from a fault line.” Read more about our interview and learn about the 5 things you should check in your home before an earthquake.

Listed below are the barangays said to be located right on top of the VFS: WEST VALLEY FAULT

Metro Manila

Quezon City:

Bagong Silangan

Bagumbayan

Batasan Hills

Blue Ridge B

Libis

Matandang Balara

Pansol

White Plains

Ugong Norte

Loyola Heights

Pasong Putik Proper (Pasong Putik)

Payatas

Marikina City:

Barangka

Industrial Valley

Malanday

Tumana

Pasig City:

Bagong Ilog

Ugong

Makati City:

East Rembo

Pembo

Rizal

Comembo

Taguig City:

Bagumbayan

Bagong Tanyag

Upper Bicutan

Central Bicutan

Lower Bicutan

Maharlika Village

Pinagsama

North Signal Village

Central Signal Village

South Signal Village

Ususan

South Daang Hari

Muntinlupa City:

Alabang

Bayanan

Buli

Cupang

Poblacion

Putatan

Sucat

Tunasan

Outside Metro ManilaBulacan:

San Isidro

Ciudad Real

San Roque

San Lorenzo

Camachin

Kabayunan

Sapang Bulak

Bayabas

Camachile

Pulong Sampalok

Laguna:

Calendola

Gsis

Sampaguita Village

San Antonio

San Vicente

Riverside

United Bayanihan

Biñan

Malamig

San Francisco

Sto. Domingo

Casile

Canlubang

Cavite:

San Jose

Bancal

Cabilang Baybay

Lantic

Mabuhay

Carmen

Inchican

EAST VALLEY FAULT

Rizal:

Ampid I

Dulongbayan II

Guinayang

Gitnangbayan II

Malanday

Maly

Santa Ana

Burgos

Macabud

San Jose

San Isidro

San Rafael

You can download a free copy of The Valley Fauly System Atlas from the PHIVOLCS website. Sources:May 18, 2015. "Is your home near an earthquake fault? Download PHIVOLCS' atlas to find out". gmanetwork.comMay 18, 2015. "Will you be affected by the East, West Valley quake fault? See this atlas". abs-cbnnews.com